| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | | | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. On the floor — The Florida Senate later today will take up a nearly 100-page reworked legislative grab bag of an elections bill that now includes the pathway for Gov. Ron DeSantis to run for president. Resolved — The legislation is designed to settle all the questions swirling around about whether Florida’s resign-to-run law applies to the governor — and here’s the still-important part — if he were to become the Republican nominee for president. A lot of the sturm und drang over the law came from those who were under the impression that it would kick in the moment DeSantis potentially jumps into the race for president or qualifies to be on the primary ballot in another state. How we got here — Florida had long had a law that required someone to put in a irrevocable letter of resignation if they were running for an office where terms overlapped. In other words, you can’t run for something and go back to your old job if you lose. Then legislators deliberately tweaked the law to help then-Gov. Charlie Crist, who was seen as possible vice-presidential nominee for the late Sen. John McCain. But in 2018, legislators reinserted the language they excised — albeit with a key exemption to help then-Gov. Rick Scott. Author, author — Sen. Travis Hutson, who helped craft the 2018 change, is sponsoring the lengthy reworked amendment that would make it clear that the state’s qualifying requirements — which includes resign-to-run — would not apply to someone running for president or vice president. If you choose not to decide — Yes, legislators could have gone along with those who suggested that the resign-to-run law really doesn’t apply to presidential candidates. (The arguments vary from presidential candidates don’t quality for the ballot to the fact that voters actually select electors not candidates.) But that would have invited lawsuits challenging DeSantis’ ability to appear on the 2024 Florida ballot. Timing — Likewise, a decision was made to answer this question now, and not a year from now when primaries will be in full swing. “If there is ambiguity, and it’s been something that’s been talked about — especially ad nauseam since November if not longer — then let’s do it, let’s clarify it,” said state Sen. Danny Burgess, the Republican chair of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee. Hold the fire — GOP legislators may have waited until toward the end of this year’s session to answer the question to try limit the amount of heat that will come their way. Either way, it’s coming from all sides and here we are. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is on an international trade mission that will take him to Japan, South Korea, Israel and the United Kingdom. He was in South Korea on Wednesday. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | A message from Alibaba: Florida businesses, like DS Laboratories, are among thousands of American companies that sell products to over one billion consumers in China on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms. Last year, sales of U.S. products to Chinese consumers on Alibaba added $1.7 billion to Florida’s GDP and supported 15,000 jobs and $936 million in wages for local workers. Learn about Alibaba’s positive impact on the U.S. economy. | | | |  | DESANTISLAND | | THE ROAD AHEAD — Florida GOP lawmakers ready move allowing DeSantis to run for president without resigning, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: The change by GOP legislators is likely to spark sharp criticism from [former President Donald] Trump allies who had already been critical of lawmakers for discussing it previously. The Trump campaign earlier this month put out a statement zinging Gov. Ron DeSantis over his recent travels and noted that he had resigned from his post in Congress while he was campaigning for governor the first time. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung called it a “massive flip-flop.” Nikki Fried, the chair of the Florida Democratic Party, slammed legislators for “doing the bidding of Ron DeSantis.” GO YOUR OWN WAY — DeSantis had beef with the College Board. Now Florida wants its own tests, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Florida lawmakers are planning ways for the state to create its own high-level courses and exams on the heels of a scrap between the DeSantis administration and the College Board over its African American studies AP program. During budget negotiations this week, the Legislature agreed to spend a combined $2.8 million developing a homegrown program to rival the rigorous and nationally recognized AP courses students can take for college credit. SECOND STOP — “DeSantis urges more cooperation with South Korea,” by Reuters: “Possible U.S. presidential candidate Ron DeSantis called on Wednesday for greater cooperation with South Korea as he visited Seoul on the second leg of a trip seen aimed at burnishing his foreign policy credentials for a presidential run. DeSantis, in a meeting with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, vowed support for South Korean companies and exchanges between the state of Florida, of which he is governor, and South Korean counterparts, Han's office said.” | | 
In this photo provided by South Korean Prime Minister Office, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, right, talks with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during a meeting at the government complex in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (South Korean Prime Minister Office via AP) | AP |
THE DESANTIS WAY — “Politics stops at the water’s edge? Not for DeSantis on trip abroad,” by Washington Post’s Hannah Knowles: “Despite the adage that “politics stops at the water’s edge” — the idea that American leaders should present a united front abroad — the governor has taken shots at his usual political targets in the United States, from liberal-leaning cities to President Biden. ‘Just going around Tokyo, I don’t think I’ve seen one piece of trash anywhere,’ DeSantis said later in his visit to Japan, according to the Wall Street Journal. In Florida, he said, ‘we do a pretty good job, but there are some other states, some other cities in other parts of the United States, that could learn a thing or two.’”
‘IT’S GOING TO BE THERE FOR THE GOVERNOR’ — “Ahead of Israel trip, DeSantis faces pressure to address antisemitism,” by Jewish Insider’s Matthew Kassel: “In advance of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ highly anticipated trip to Israel this week, the Florida legislature is expected to pass a new hate crimes bill stemming from a recent surge of antisemitic incidents across the state. If history is any guide, the Florida governor could use part of his speech at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem to promote the bill and perhaps even ceremonially sign it into law — as he did while spotlighting a similar piece of legislation on his last tour through Israel four years ago.” — “The College Board will change its A.P. African American Studies Course,” by The New York Times’ Dana Goldstein and Stephanie Saul — “Ron DeSantis’ Tampa Bay hometown has evolved. Does it still claim him?” by Tampa Bay Times’ Jay Cridlin
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‘I COULDN’T SIT BACK’ — “Drag performers descend on Tallahassee to protest anti-LGBTQ+ bills as session nears end,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Lauren Peace: “More than 300 drag performers and allies gathered in Tallahassee on Tuesday afternoon to protest a slew of bills that take aim at the LGBTQ+ community, now moving fast through Florida’s statehouse. In polished pumps and a sea of red T-shirts that read ‘The show must go on,’ the effervescent crowd marched half a mile from Cascades Park to the Capitol building, brandishing signs bearing pleas for protection.”
QUICK FIX — Florida House throws graduation lifeline to struggling seniors, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Lawmakers in the Florida House introduced an amendment Tuesday aiming to benefit thousands of seniors at risk of missing the cut for graduating this year due to new, stricter standards going into effect. The changes, approved as a new provision to a wide-ranging education bill, could counter a projected “serious dip” in graduation rates stemming from an update in graduation requirements calling for students to earn higher scores on the SAT to earn a diploma. ON TRACK — “Florida Senate panel OKs Disney World monorail inspections,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Skyler Swisher: “Disney World’s monorail system is poised to get state oversight as Gov. Ron DeSantis battles the theme park giant. A Senate committee advanced a plan Tuesday that would allow for state inspections of the attraction’s 14.7-mile monorail, which averages an estimated 150,000 passengers a day. … Under the bill, Disney would be required to submit an annual safety plan to the Florida Department of Transportation with on-site visits every three years to ensure compliance in addition to other periodic evaluations, according to FDOT’s rules for such systems.” — “UM ‘can’t wait until we’re the targets’: Faculty speak out against Florida higher ed bills,” by Miami Herald’s Jimena Tavel — “Florida State Guard could triple in size, gain military police-like arm,” by Florida Phoenix’s Michael Moline — “Budget conference: Senate skeptical of Gov. DeSantis’ speed lane for road projects,” by Florida Politics’ Gray Rohrer — “Tenant bill of rights ordinances in FL on the verge of elimination,” by Florida Phoenix’ Mitch Perry — “Thousands could have paychecks cut under Florida House plan,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Lawrence Mower
| | | | A message from Alibaba:   | | | | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | COMING TO END — Proud Boys leaders: Trump caused Jan. 6 attack, by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney: Former Proud Boys national chair Enrique Tarrio — the man prosecutors have portrayed as the ringleader of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol — told jurors Tuesday that he’s merely a scapegoat for the real culprit: Donald Trump. “It was Donald Trump’s words. It was his motivation. It was his anger that caused what occurred on January 6th in your amazing and beautiful city,” said Nayib Hassan, Tarrio’s lawyer, during closing arguments in a seditious conspiracy trial stemming from the Jan. 6 attack. Florida man viewpoint — Hassan leaned heavily into the role Trump played in ginning up the crowd at his rally the morning of Jan. 6, just minutes before rioters began breaching police barricades at the Capitol. Trump urged his supporters to “fight like hell” just 36 minutes before the first wave of the mob charged at police, Hassan noted. “It was not Enrique Tarrio. They want to use Enrique Tarrio as a scapegoat for Donald Trump and those in power,” Hassan said. IN COURT — Trial begins in civil lawsuit accusing Trump of rape, by POLITICO’s Erica Orden: “The civil lawsuit from a woman who says Donald Trump raped her decades ago centers on a “brief, brutal attack,” a lawyer for the woman, E. Jean Carroll, told the jury as the trial kicked off in Manhattan federal court Tuesday. Carroll, a magazine columnist, is suing Trump for allegedly attacking her in a dressing room of luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman in the 1990s and sexually assaulting her — a claim Trump denies, saying the incident “never happened.” She also is suing him for defamation for publicly calling her allegations a “hoax.” — “Trump widens lead over DeSantis to 37 points in new poll,” by The Hill’s Julia Shapero | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — “Biden v. Trump 2.0: What’s old is new again, by POLITICO’s Jonathan Lemire and Meridith McGraw — “Democrats say Florida is ‘dead for Biden’ as his 2024 presidential campaign starts: ‘We just need to be realistic,’” by Insider’s Nicole Guadiano and Kimberly Leonard
— “Lynn Hurtak defeats Janet Cruz in Tampa City Council runoff,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Jack Evans
| | | | HAPPENING NEXT WEEK! GO INSIDE THE 2023 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is proud to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage, insider nuggets and unparalleled insights from the 2023 Global Conference, which will convene leaders in health, finance, politics, philanthropy and entertainment from May 1-4. This year’s theme, Advancing a Thriving World, will challenge and inspire attendees to lean into building an optimistic coalition capable of tackling the issues and inequities we collectively face. Don’t miss a thing — subscribe today for a front row seat. | | | | | | | DATELINE D.C. | | ‘AN ARMED RESPONSE ON CAMPUS’— “Sen. Scott bill would fund armed officers in all US schools,” by The Associated Press’ Curt Anderson: “Money earmarked for thousands of new IRS employees would be transferred to a grant program allowing schools nationwide to hire armed law enforcement personnel under legislation outlined Tuesday by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida. The School Guardian Act would take about $80 billion that Congress previously approved to expand the tax agency and spend it instead on efforts to deter and respond to school shootings such as the 2018 massacre in Parkland, Florida in which 17 people were killed. Parents of those victims said they support Scott’s bill.” | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | |
THE TOLL — “Broward’s historic flooding caused more than $100 million in losses, major damage to 1,095 homes, and job layoffs,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man: “A detailed, preliminary assessment of damage from the historic April 12-13 flooding in Broward County reported more than $100 million of damage, ‘major damage’ to almost 1,100 homes and hundreds of temporary and permanent layoffs by affected businesses. The damage assessment was contained in a request Tuesday from Gov. Ron DeSantis to President Joe Biden for federal assistance to help pay for the aftermath of the flooding that dumped nearly 26 inches of rain at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in a 24-hour period.”
BY THE NUMBERS — “Few complained of ‘woke’ classes at Florida universities. Still, DeSantis pushed new bans,” by Miami Herald’s Sarah Blaskey: “But in the four and a half months that the law was enforced at public universities — before it was blocked by a preliminary injunction last November — only seven people reported potential violations of Stop WOKE across the 12 campuses, according to records obtained by the Herald through public records requests. All of the complaints were dismissed as unfounded, records show.” SENT AWAY — “Colombia deports opposition leader Juan Guaidó to Miami ahead of summit on Venezuela,” by El Nuevo Herald’s Antonio Maria Delgado: “The Colombian government deported Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó late on Monday, saying he had entered the country illegally, and put him on a commercial flight bound for Miami after being told by a high-ranking U.S. official of his whereabouts, Colombia’s foreign minister said. The opposition leader, who arrived in Miami early Tuesday morning, had entered Colombia hoping to meet with some of the delegations sent to Bogotá to participate in a diplomatic summit organized by leftist Colombian President Gustavo Petro to discuss the crisis in Venezuela.” — “USF fires employee, recommends more training and body cams after protest,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Divya Kumar — “Bradenton’s IMG Academy to be sold to Swedish private equity firm for $1.25 billion,” by Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Derek Gilliam
| | A message from Alibaba: Alibaba helps American businesses succeed globally. In 2022, $66 billion worth of U.S. products were sold on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms, a nearly 10% increase over 2021. From household names to emerging small businesses, thousands of American companies sell products to over one billion consumers in China on Alibaba.
Read how American businesses are succeeding with Alibaba. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
— “Perjury charge dropped against former Broward superintendent Robert Runcie,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Scott Travis: “A judge has dismissed the criminal perjury charge against former Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie. Broward Circuit Judge Martin Fein emailed the decision to the prosecution and defense lawyers Tuesday morning. … Fein’s ruling didn’t consider whether Runcie actually committed the alleged crime, instead saying the grand jury wasn’t authorized to indict him for the charge due to jurisdictional issues.”
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